Sunday, February 26, 2023

Putting Magic Flavor on the Table; Memory (Working Draft)

   Adapted from Dominaria - MTG Wiki and Golarion - PathfinderWiki



In the vast cosmos, amidst the tapestry of countless stars, exists the remarkable world of Memory. A blue planet, third in orbit around a yellow sun, Its lands are adorned with diverse landscapes, from sprawling oceans to lush greenery, offering an idyllic environment for the flourishing of numerous cultures. It is no wonder that Memory is a testament to its magnetic allure and bountiful possibilities.


Memory Plane



A few millennia ago, Memory was besieged by Five Elemental Titans, only through the united effort of the people of Memory were five orders able to imprison them in the Macht Dungeons. Each titan was imprisoned behind a Machtstone at the bottom of a vault hidden within each of Memory’s regions.

The conflux of mana churning between the elemental titans and the Machtstones influences the very character of the lands that contain them.



Geography


Memory contains five inhabited continental Regions.

Boia

Boia is the southernmost Ccontentent of Memory and occupies the world’s southern pole. The cities of Boia are centers of magical learning and innovation. Towering spires and bustling markets fill the urban landscapes, where mages gather to exchange knowledge and conduct research. The city of Caelum stands as a beacon of order and wisdom, embodying the principles of justice, law, and community. Meanwhile, the city of Umbralos is a haven for spellcasters who value power, ambition, and secrecy above all else. Outside the cities, Boia's cold Tundra landscapes are home to druidic circles and hidden groves, where the forces of nature thrive. Ileq tribes guard these ancient places, seeking to maintain the balance between civilization and wilderness.

Gauryia 

Gauryia, the land of shifting sands and ancient mysteries, forms the western boundary of the Chaian Sea and is bounded to the north by Sere and to the south by Boia. Gauryia is known as the "Enigmatic Sands," a realm of secrets and hidden power.

Ravia

The continent of Ravia forms the Chaian Sea’s Northeastern shore and share’s a landbridge with Boia to the south. This land brims with a convergence of cultures, arcane marvels, and the interplay of elemental forces. Ravia is a crucible where the powers of magic clash and harmony are forged amidst the chaos.


Sere

Sere, forming the northwestern shore of the Chaian Sea and bordered by Gauryia to the south, is a land of contrasting beauty and mystique. It is a realm where her vibrant cultures meet arcane wonders, creating a tapestry of tradition, honor, and ancient powers.

Chaian Sea 

At the heart of Memory lies the Chaian Sea, a bustling hub of trade, politics, and intrigue. Its shores are lined with mighty city-states, ancient ruins, and treacherous seas. From the grandeur of Aber, the World’s City, to the wild and untamed lands of Pulame. The Chaian Sea stretches across Memory like a vast, mysterious expanse. Its azure waters hold countless secrets, the secrets and untold treasures of the ancient Aberi, who were lost beneath her waves. The Chaian Sea is a captivating blend of arcane wonders and submerged ruins.


Ancestries of Memory 

The Common Ancestries of Memory can be found in thriving communities on each of Memory’s continents. They are hearty, fruitful people represented in adapted ethnic groups in each populated region.

Aber the Humans of Memory

As unpredictable and varied as any of Memory’s peoples, humans have exceptional drive and the capacity to endure and expand. Though many civilizations thrived before humanity rose to prominence, humans have built some of the greatest and the most terrible societies throughout the course of history, and today they are the most populous people in the realms around the Chaian Sea.

Eszi, the Goblins of Memory

The convoluted histories other people cling to don’t interest the Eszi. These small folk live in the moment and prefer tall tales over factual records. The wars of a few decades ago might as well be from the ancient past. Misunderstood by other people, goblins are happy with how they are. Eszi virtues are about being present, creative, and honest. They strive to lead fulfilled lives rather than worrying about how their journeys will end. To tell stories, not nitpick the facts. To be small, but dream big.

Khuragz, the Dwarves of  Ravia

Khurghaz can be found throughout Ravia, although most inhabit the Kingdom of Khiz. Of particular note are the city of Khunbund in Khiz, whose inhabitants consider themselves the heart of dwarven culture and life.


Macham, the Halflings of Memory

Claiming no place as their own, the Macham control few settlements larger than villages. Instead, they frequently live among humans within the walls of larger cities, carving out small communities alongside taller folk. Many halflings lead perfectly fulfilling lives in the shadows of their larger neighbors, while others prefer a nomadic existence, traveling the world and taking advantage of opportunities and adventures as they come.

Nearionor the Elves of Memory

As an ancient people, the Nearionor have seen great change and have a perspective that can come only from watching the arc of history. After leaving the world in ancient times, they returned to a changed land, and they still struggle to reclaim their ancestral homes, most notably from terrible demons that have invaded parts of their lands. To some, the elves are objects of awe—graceful and beautiful, with immense talent and knowledge. Among themselves, however, the elves place far more importance on personal freedom than on living up to these ideals. 

Ugluk the Orcs of Memory

The Ugluk are forged in the fires of violence and conflict, often from birth. As they live lives that are frequently cut brutally short, orcs revel in testing their strength against worthy foes, whether by challenging a higher-ranking member of their community for dominance or raiding a neighboring settlement. Many orcs seek glory as soon as they can walk and carry a blade or club, taming wild beasts or hunting deadly monsters.

Uncommon Ancestries 

The uncommon Ancestries of Memory are principally found in one of Memory’s regions; in other areas, they are only found in the most urbane setting.

Braz, The Kobolds of Memory

Every kobold knows that their slight frame belies true, mighty draconic power. They are ingenious crafters and devoted allies within their warrens, but those who trespass into their territory find them to be inspired skirmishers, especially when they have the backing of a draconic sorcerer or true dragon overlord. However, these reptilian opportunists prove happy to cooperate with other humanoids when it’s to their benefit, combining caution and cunning to make their fortunes in the wider world.

Emixca, the Leshy of Memory

Guardians and emissaries of Ravia’s environment, the Emixca are immortal spirits of nature temporarily granted a physical form.

Kalili, the Azarketti of Memory

The amphibious Kalili of the Chaian Sea are the inheritors of the ancient Aberi legacy; they hold their proud traditions close but still surface to interact with the rest of the world.


Kib, the Grippli of Memory

Resembling anthropomorphized frogs, the Kib are shy and cautious people who generally seek to avoid being drawn into the complicated and dangerous affairs of others. Despite their outlook and small stature, the grippli often take bold and noble action when the situation demands it.

Sobral, the Amurrans of Memory

The Sobral are a unique community of catfolk deeply connected to nature. They have adapted to the varied landscapes of their world and embrace their role as guardians of the planet's ecological balance. Their strong sense of community, reverence for nature, and natural abilities make them formidable adventurers and valuable allies in the ongoing struggle to protect their lands.

Lebaga, the Gnomes of Memory

There isn’t a large population of gnomes on Memory, but those that do live there get around. Gnomes are commonly encountered as traveling sages, wandering explorers, bards, and other occupations that lead them to new experiences (or trouble).

Orana, the Sprites of Memory

The Orana are diminutive, whimsical, and exuberant creatures from the fey realm. They love playing pranks, exploring new things, and embracing everything to do with magic.

Mogod, the Gnolls of Memory

The Mogod are fierce and relentless predators, embodying the untamed wilderness of Guaryia and primal survival instincts.

Soc Gi, the Yksoi of Memory

Inquisitive, pint-sized furry folk resembling an oversized, bipedal rodent, tiny of stature and swift underfoot, mousekin are adept at not being seen. Due to their small numbers and recent origin, most folk of Memory have never seen nor heard of the Yksoi. Fortunately, the Soc Gi make friends easily - striking most civilized Ancestries as endearingly cute.

Thult. The Hobgoblins of Memory

The Thult of Sere are taller and stronger than their goblin kin. Hobgoblins are equal in strength and size to humans, with broad shoulders and long, powerful arms.

Tomitlan, the Iruxi of Memory

The reptilian Tomitlan are consummate survivors, heirs to empires considered ancient even by the elves.

Valba, the Fetchlings of Memory

Once human and now something apart, the Valba of Boia display the Shadow Plane's ancient influence through monochrome complexions, glowing eyes, and the casting of supernatural shadows.

Inua, the Vanara of Memory 

The Inua of Sere are inquisitive and mischievous monkey-like humanoids with short, soft fur, expressive eyes, and long, prehensile tails. Their handlike feet and agile builds serve them well in the jungle realms where most Inua live.

Rare Ancestries 

Unusual Species

These Ancestries are rare on Memory because they grow out of specific conditions and unusual mystical interventions. These people are typically only encountered in their respective regions and, even then, only seldom so.

Aj'Snaga, the Nagaji of Memory- With humanoid figures and serpentine heads, nagaji are heralds, companions, and servitors of powerful nagas. They hold a deep reverence for holy areas and spiritual truths, which many others find as intimidating as a nagaji's appearance.

Akroi, the Strix of Memory- The Akroi are reclusive avian humanoids devoted to their homeland in the untamed forests of Ravia. They defend their precious communities with broad wingspans and razor talons.

Bungomo, the Kashrishi of Memory- the Bungomo make their homes in remote areas of Guaryia. These quiet beings have stout, durable frames and distinctive crystalline horns. Their inherent psychic abilities make them natural empaths but also occasionally burden them with the unceasing thoughts of their neighbors.

Honi, the Goloma of Memory- The Honi fear most other people and deliberately use their unusual biology to frighten off those they consider to be dangerous predators. Rarely seen and poorly understood, golomas' many-eyed and wooden-faced visages instill terror in most they meet.

The Kitsune of Memory- Kitsune are a charismatic and witty people with a connection to the spiritual that grants them many magical abilities, chiefly the power to shapechange into other forms. Whether they pass unseen among other peoples or hold their tails high, kitsune are clever observers of the societies around them.

Langy, the Shoony of Memory- Diminutive humanoids who resemble squat, bipedal dogs, the Langy are sometimes mistaken for weak and insular pacifists. However, their sheer perseverance, incredible work ethic, and resourceful use of diplomacy have secured their home near the Eastern coast of Ravia.

Ogosei, the Gorhan of Memory- These intelligent plant people, created by a long-dead druid, possess a sort of immortality through their seeds—unless these are destroyed by external events other than merely the ravages of time.

Qapilum, The Conrasu of Memory- Conrasus are shards of cosmic force given consciousness that construct intricate exoskeletons to interface with the mortal world. Both an integral part of the underlying processes of the universe and strangely set apart, the Qapilum look to aeons to understand their existence.

Shas the Vishkanya of Memory- the Shas are ophidian humanoids who carry potent venom within their blood and saliva. Largely misunderstood due to old tales of their toxicity and natural finesse, the Shas work to grow into more than just what stories paint them to be.

The Tengu of Memory- The Insan are a gregarious and resourceful people that have spread far and wide from their ancestral home in Sere, collecting and combining whatever innovations and traditions they happen across with those from their own long history.

Zhiavas, the Anadi of Memory- The Zhiavasi people are reclusive, sapient spiders who hail from the jungles of Gauryia. Though they act in many ways like natural-born shapeshifters, their twin forms actually stem from carefully developed magic.

Unique works of mysticism

These ancestries are not often encountered because they emerge from exceptionally skilled craft or mysticism.

Androids- Technological wonders of exceptionally complex craft, androids have synthetic bodies and living souls. Their dual nature makes them quick-thinking and calm under pressure but comfortable in stillness and solitude.

Automation- These intelligent constructs house actual souls and represent what remains of Aber society's last attempt at greatness. Automatons combine technological ingenuity with magical power, creating a uniquely blended being.

FleshWarp-  Fleshwarps are people whose forms were created or radically transformed by magic, alchemy, or unnatural energies. Their unorthodox appearance can make it difficult for them to find a place for themselves in the world.

Poppets- Poppets are small, basic constructs that typically help their owners with simple tasks. Occasionally, poppets gain sapience, independence, and a spark of life. Elevated beyond mere helpers or playthings, these poppets can chart their destinies.

Skeleton- Skeletons are considered among the lowest types of undead. They're typically mindless creatures, lacking many of the abilities that make other undead a serious threat. However, the animated bones of dragons, giants, and other great beasts make for dangerous foes. When returning as a skeleton, powerful living creatures can retain some of their might and intellect. Some necromancers turn their strongest enemies into skeletal undead servants, assuming they can control them.

Pantheon and Religions

Plurality among Memory’s cultures has encouraged a strong tradition of religious tolerance as a core tenet of effective statecraft. Each of Memory’s regions upholds a pantheon of divine beings representative of their respective cultures. It is not unusual for allegiances and rivalries to form among the patron’s cults reflecting a type of divine politik that expresses demonstrable conflict. Monotheistic or aggressively hegemonistic movements are relatively rare on memory, whereas historically, religious crusades have been quashed by coalitions of the tolerant. 

The legends of the Elemental Titans have fostered an undercurrent of Nihilistic cults on Memory; these groups typically meet in secret and work to undermine the status quo.

Key Features


The Aberi Legacy: Memory bears the scars of a cataclysmic conflict, Titanomachy, fought between the mighty armies of the ancient Aber civilization. Ruined cities, shattered landscapes, and remnants of powerful artifacts are haunting reminder of this bygone era. Delve into the ruins of Aberi cities, uncover lost technologies, and witness the lasting impact of their legacy.


The Cosmic Dance: Memory's night sky is a celestial spectacle adorned by the crater-scarred moon Artis and neighboring planets Dian and Aresak, visible as shimmering stars of emerald and crimson. The cosmic dance of these celestial bodies weaves tales of mystery and wonder, guiding the fates of those who inhabit Memory's lands.


Conflux of Mana: The confluence of raw mana between the elemental titans and the Machtstones permeates the lands of Memory. It infuses the environment, shaping the character of each region. The interaction of these magical forces manifests in unique ways, creating pockets of wild magic, enhanced spellcasting, and ethereal phenomena. Some particularly autumn denizens of the plane are able to coax potent effects from the very land by focusing their heroic efforts. 


Coveted Machtstones: Mystic scholars have identified the five expressions of Magic, Solidarity, Curiosity, Ambition, Emotion, and Tradition. Some believe these expresions had been condensed into five foci of potent mana. These foci have been identified as the Machtstones. These artifacts hold immense power and are highly prized throughout Memory. These magical artifacts are symbols of prestige and influence and are integral to maintaining the balance of power in the world. As such, they draw the attention of ambitious individuals, power-hungry factions, and those who seek to harness their immense potential.


Planes and Realms: Memory is a world of interconnected planes and realms, each with its own distinct characteristics and inhabitants—a journey through the untamed wilderness of the world can lead adventurers to portals to any of the multitudes of planes of existence. Especially after the breaking of Zion, the First City. Structures and artifacts from the center of the cosmos have hound their new home here on Memory.


Secrets of Memory

The Five Macht Dungeons: Millennia ago, Memory faced a grave threat when five elemental titans, embodying the destructive forces of magic, assailed its realms. Through a united effort, the people of Memory imprisoned each titan within a hidden vault known as a Macht Dungeon. These five dungeons, scattered across the planet, house the imprisoned titans and their opposing Machtstones, which bind their overwhelming power.

The Nature of the Cosmos and the Planes: Two immutable barriers separate everything: Time and Space. The immutable barriers also serve as universal bridges that connect all things.  All things exist at the same time or in the same place, but never both. Each plane is a potential origin or future for each of the others. Transplanar travel involves distorting spacetime to the point of bridging vast gulfs of separation. These bridges are most likely to form where conditions are most similar to each other. This tendency can cause one plane to “overwrite” another when the two planes become very similar in composition; this phenomenon is called “Mass Synchronization.”

Pieces of Zion: Zion, The First City, once existed in a place outside of Time and space; a cataclysm caused Zion to shatter and scatter across the planes of existence. The “Pieces of Zion” ranged in sizes from common tokens to entire city quarters. 


Adventurer Hooks


Quest for the Machtstones: Set forth on a perilous quest to locate the hidden Machtstones scattered across Memory's diverse regions. Overcome the guardians, solve ancient riddles, and navigate treacherous paths to unlock the power of these artifacts, determining the fate of the elemental titans and shaping the world's future.


Mysteries of the Conflux: Dive into the enigmatic nature of the mana conflux. Unravel the secrets of how the interplay between the imprisoned titans and the Machtstones affects the lands, unlocking hidden abilities, uncovering lost magics, and exploring the unpredictable phenomena that arise in the wake of their presence.


Influence and Intrigue: Navigate the political landscape of Memory, where factions vie for control over the pieces of Zion, Settlements, Structures, and artifacts from the First city that have mysteriously appeared on Memory. Align yourself with influential groups, forge alliances, and engage in intricate power struggles to shape the destiny of Memory and safeguard its fragile equilibrium.


Chronicles of History: Embark on quests to unravel the mysteries of Memory's past. Explore ancient ruins, decipher forgotten texts, and piece together the fragments of forgotten lore. Uncover the truth behind pivotal events such as the Dragon War, Titanomachy or the emergance of the "pieces of Zion", and perhaps even alter the course of history itself.


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